Stories and People

The terrestrial surface in three dimensions

We reproduce subsoil in high definition thanks to DVA technology.

The terrestrial surface in three dimensions

We reproduce subsoil in high definition thanks to DVA technology.

Imaging in depth

One of the most significant examples of applications developed in-house in recent
years is Depth Velocity Analysis (DVA) – a platform for the analysis of seismic
data that allows us to obtain a 3D image of the subsoil as close as possible to reality.
Erika Gentile, Eni coordinator for the processing of seismic data, tells us about
the power of key software in our exploration.

A complementary mix of different skills, together with continuous learning and a passion for the subject, allows us to implement bespoke workflows for each project.

Erika Gentile

The deepest goal in the world

The development of cutting-edge technologies for the study of the subsoil is vital to the success of Eni in the discovery of new deposits. It is within the scope of successful platform exploration that we study sophisticated systems to render high-resolution 3D images of the structure of the subsoil – both in terrestrial and marine areas – on the basis of the data acquired. Some examples: in Mozambique and Congo DVA technology allows us to understand the terrestrial and marine depths and facilitate the optimal positioning of drilling wells.

Inside the Green Data Center

the combination of geophysics and computer science, “seismic imaging”
and HPC, together with the extraordinary talent of Eni explorers, has contributed
to all of the most recent exploration discoveries around the world.

The story of how a reservoir was discovered

Know where to begin before starting: the first secret of Eni’s exploration success is the technology for the study of the subsoil. The goal of the initial stage of the oil cycle is to collect useful information to identify the best opportunities.

Processing the seismic signal: the discovery and classification of a new field is largely based on the analysis of three-dimensional images of the subsoil derived from a seismic study.

A competent and flexible team: geologists, engineers, physicists and mathematicians analyse seismic data – using the DVA platform, for example – to generate in-depth images of the subsoil.

Our DVA package photographs the depths: one of Eni's proprietary technologies, DVA, analyses seismic data and returns a 3D image of the subsurface.

Processing the acquired images: the Green Data Centre – our data processing hub – is able to perform calculations at a rate of 3 million billion operations per second.

Analogic simulation

Analogue simulation (in tank) of a turbidite flow consisting of water and clay (64%
and 36%) conducted at the University of Texas at Austin (USA).

Why is Eni (along with its competitors) interested in gravitational flows?

In many deep-sea sedimentary basins, the repetition of this phenomenon over the course of geological time has produced accumulations of sedimentary rocks – commonly called turbidite – which due to their volume, porosity and permeability constitute one of the main types of reservoir that the oil industry explores. Today Eni produces oil and gas from turbidite reservoirs beneath the Adriatic Sea and in West Africa, the Gulf of Mexico, North Sea and Indonesia. Recent exploration in offshore Mozambique and Ghana are based on the discovery of turbidite deposits.

Numerical simulation

Risk factors and the commitment of Eni

Although fossil gravitational flow deposits represent a positive step in the search for hydrocarbons, the possibility that such a phenomenon starts along an underwater escarpment is a risk factor for any infrastructure resting on the seabed (such as pipelines or well heads). As such it must be considered as part of geological risk studies, within the framework of underwater engineering. Eni is engaged in research and development projects aimed at providing geologists and engineers with the most advanced tools for the study of gravitational flows. The purpose is twofold:

to quantify the possible impact of turbidite events on pipelines, as a contribution to their design and to maintain their long-term integrity.

07/12/2017 - 3:00 PM

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